It was established in 1857 on 778 acres (315ha) of city-owned land. In 1858, Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux, two soon-to-be famed national landscapers and architects, won a design competition to improve and expand the park with a plan they titled the "Greensward Plan". Construction began the same year and the park's first area was opened to the public in the winter of 1858. Construction continued during the American Civil War further south, and was expanded to its current size of 843 acres (341ha) in 1873.

Central Park (Ottawa)

The park has two sections, Central Park East and West divided by Bank Street. To the southeast of the park is the landscaped area around Patterson Creek creating a continued stretch of greenery all the way to the Rideau Canal. Originally, the entire area of the park was that area around Patterson Creek. In the 1890s, work began on landscaping the area. Clemow Avenue was constructed, blocking the creek and creating the open space of the park. The work on the park was completed in 1907. In the 1960s, the city proposed extending Carling Avenue through the park to the canal. This caused an outcry in the community and led to the creation of the Glebe Community Association. Eventually, the plans were shelved.

Central Park

First few horns and the squeak of brakesKnock on the door and the city wakesBut you, you're still sleepingAnd you, you're in lovePainting a pretty pictureHow I wish, more of this were drewBut you, you're in LondonAnd you, you're still in loveFuck this, I'm a go out walkingRent a bike and make a few laps in Central Park in the darkLove is just a memoryLove along the shadow in my heart, in my heartThis is where you'll stay, while I'm at the HudsonI'd like to see my name above the doorIt says we, we're still in BrooklynAnd we, we're never in but you're always welcome